Mine Planning Engineer

The Mine Planning Engineer will develop and optimize short-term to long-term mine plans to ensure the efficient and sustainable extraction of high-quality copper ore, prioritizing ore quality over quantity, and contributing to the overall success, safety, and profitability of mining operations. Key Responsibilities Mine Planning and Design: Advise senior leaders, technical reviewers, managers, and peers regarding potential economic and production impacts from changes to mine design, production timing, capital projects, and mining productivities. Develop detailed short-term through long-term mine plans, incorporating strategies for managing complex sulfide and oxide ore bodies. Prioritize ore quality in mine planning to maximize value of extracted ore. Design pits, pit phases, and sequences, in collaboration with geological team, to enhance ore quality and minimize dilution. Design waste dumps, stockpiles and ROM in close consultation with the geological team. Collaborate closely with geology and metallurgy teams to integrate accurate geological models and metallurgical parameters. Generate or peer‑review drill and blast designs and blast patterns prior to blasting. Ensure wall controls for blasting are in place and establish wall monitoring controls to manage pit wall stability. Operational Support: Assist mine operations with execution and optimization of mine plans to support safety, production, and cost goals. Conduct mine efficiency studies for production, equipment, blasting, quality control, and mining recovery. Manage capital and mine improvement projects as required. Mentor junior staff and oversee survey, design, and hands‑on mine operations. Produce production reporting of mine physicals, track site KPIs, and evaluate opportunities for improvement. Work with ground control engineer to plan and analyze ground conditions, adhere to ground control management plan, and complete grade‑control drilling before mining. Provide technical support to mining operations to ensure adherence to mine plans and optimize production processes. Monitor and analyze production data to recommend improvements in ore quality and operational efficiency. Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure compliance with mine plans, safety standards, and environmental regulations. Implement dewatering strategy to manage wet conditions in pit, road management for ore hauling, and contract management to ensure contractor delivery. Technical Analysis: Utilize mine‑planning software (Geovia Surpac, Whittle, Talpac, Micromine, Minesched) to model and simulate various mining scenarios. Evaluate different mining methods and equipment to determine the best approach for extracting high‑quality ore. Review blasting and assess blast performance to deliver fragmentation and increase productivity. Ensure wall controls comply with pit wall stability requirements. Investigate and implement new technologies and methodologies that can enhance ore quality and overall mine efficiency. Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and present technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders, focusing on ore quality and mine‑planning strategies. Maintain comprehensive records of mine plans, production data, and planning activities. Ensure all planning activities are documented and compliant with regulatory requirements and company policies. In conjunction with the geological team, ensure monthly tons and grade reconciliation are undertaken. Project Management: Lead and manage mine‑planning projects from conception through implementation, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget. Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to align projects with company goals and regulations. Participate in feasibility studies, cost estimation, and economic evaluations with a focus on optimizing ore quality. Skills and Competencies Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on optimizing ore quality. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with geology, metallurgy, and operations teams. Proficiency in mine‑planning and design software. Drill and blast experience. Contractor management. Experience operating mining equipment. Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong project management skills. Work Environment Regular visits to the mine site, exposing to varying weather conditions and rugged terrain. The role may require extended hours and occasional travel. Physical Demands The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work Full‑time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overtime and nights may be required as needed. Travel Occasional travel is expected. Work Authorization Authorized to work in the U.S. AAP/EEO Statement Milford Mining Company is an equal opportunity employer. Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or a related field. Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of experience in mine planning, preferably with complex sulfide and oxide ore bodies. Proven track record of prioritizing ore quality in mine‑planning processes. Experience in drill and blast design, blasting management and wall control. Experience with mine‑planning software such as Geovia Surpac, Whittle, Minessched, or Talpac (and fleet management system) is essential. Previous experience in a junior/senior mining company is advantageous. Theoretical and practical experience in ground control is essential. Certifications: Professional Engineer (P.Eng) certification or eligibility for certification is preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Milford Mining Company Utah LLC